The parking woes of Bethlehem's Five Points intersection has taken another turn.

Bethlehem lawyers advised City Council Tuesday that the city shouldn't fear any legal ramifications should council decide to eliminate the turn lane into McDonald's near the congested Five Points intersection. McDonald's had raised the issue of "inverse condemnation" two weeks ago when council was scheduled to vote on it, prompting council members not to sponsor it.

Council received a memo Tuesday, saying that the issue had no merit in this case.

Council President Robert Donchez said the resolution could come back before council as early as May 18.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation had granted the city permission to eliminate the lane, requiring the city to inform McDonald's. The state did not require McDonald's to sign off on the deal that would eliminate left-turns from Route 378 north (Wyandotte Street) into the restaurant.

Council in 2008 had called for removal of the turn lane to make way for a dozen parking spots for the struggling business district in what was once known as Palace Row. Mayor John Callahan did not support the resolution.

The administration researched the issue and forwarded the resolution at the request of council, Callahan said last month.

City officials said they didn't believe removing the lane would make traffic move faster, but it would provide more parking. Many businesspeople complained about the lack of parking since McDonald's opened there in 2002.